Raiders Shannon Boyd Ruled Out Of The NRL Indefinitely

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Canberra forward Dave Taylor may have to wait another week to make his NRL return despite a knee injury ruling fellow prop Shannon Boyd out indefinitely.

Boyd didn't return after injuring his knee in Sunday's golden-point loss to Manly, with the club unable to put a timeline on his comeback.

The depth of Canberra's pack will be tested during Saturday's match in Bathurst, with scans confirming bench forward Dunamis Lui won't play again this season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in the 21-20 defeat at Lottoland.

Rookie forward Royce Hunt, 22, is in line to make his NRL debut after being named on the bench, while versatile veteran Sia Soliola has been named as a starting prop alongside Junior Paulo.

Luke Bateman returns at lock after overcoming a thumb injury.

Taylor has been named in the 21-man squad, while Clay Priest and Joe Tapine are the other forwards on the bench.

Soliola said Taylor's size and experience made him one of a number of options who could provide cover while Boyd is out.

"If there's one position that we are pretty confident in having depth in, it's the middle," Soliola said.

Taylor has had an unlucky start to his time in Canberra, with injuries and illness limiting him to two appearances from the bench since being handed a lifeline to restart his NRL career.

The former QueenslandState of Origin star could be forgiven for cursing his luck with a bout of chickenpox derailing the "Coal Train" shortly after he had recovered from a calf issue.

But Soliola said Taylor's attitude had been exemplary.

"He's just been smashing out the sessions they've provided for him," Soliola said.

"I know a lot of guys in his position that would probably be kicking stones or have their head down. Not Dave - he's a tough character and that's what you want."

The injuries come at a tough time for the ninth-placed Raiders, as they prepare for a resurgent Panthers outfit after their 38-0 thrashing of Canterbury.

Boyd and Lui's curtailed games meant star forward Josh Papalii played 82 minutes against Manly, just four days after being one of Queensland's best players in their disastrous Origin series opener.

He said he would be fine to face Penrith after a couple of days' rest but can expect another heavy workload in Boyd's absence.

"I think Boydy's been the best forward at the club for the last year," Papalii said.